Surgical stapling device with lockout system for preventing actuation in the absence of an installed staple cartridge

ABSTRACT

Surgical stapling instruments surgical stapling cartridges are disclosed. At least one embodiment includes an end effector that has an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil that is movably supported on the elongate channel between an open position and closed positions in response to an application of opening and closing motions applied thereto. An anvil lock member cooperates with the anvil to retain the anvil in an open position when a staple cartridge has not been installed in the elongate channel and prevent the anvil from moving to a closed position until the staple cartridge has been seated within the elongate channel. Surgical staple cartridges are configured to move the anvil from an open position to an actuatable position when the cartridge has been installed in the end effector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/746,305, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH LOCKOUT SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING ACTUATION INTHE ABSENCE OF AN INSTALLED STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Jun. 22, 2015, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0289874, which is acontinuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/429,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGDEVICE WITH LOCKOUT SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING ACTUATION IN THE ABSENCE OF ANINSTALLED STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Mar. 26, 2012, which issued on Jul.14, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,653, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousembodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments and staplecartridges therefor that are designed to cut and staple tissue.

SUMMARY

In accordance with at least one general form, there is provided asurgical stapling instrument that includes an end effector that has anelongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgicalstaple cartridge therein. An anvil is movably supported on the elongatechannel between an open position and closed positions in response to anapplication of opening and closing motions applied thereto. An anvillock member cooperates with the anvil to retain the anvil in an openposition when a staple cartridge has not been installed in the elongatechannel and prevents the anvil from moving to a closed position untilthe staple cartridge has been seated within the elongate channel.

In accordance with at least one other general form, there is provided asurgical stapling instrument that includes a handle and an elongateshaft assembly that is operably coupled to the handle. A closure systemis operably supported by the handle for generating closing and openingmotions in response to actuation of a closure trigger operably supportedby the handle. The instrument further includes an elongate channel thatis coupled to the elongate shaft assembly. The instrument also includesan anvil that has an anvil mounting portion that is movably supported onthe elongate channel between an open position and closed positions inresponse to applications of opening and closing motions transmittedthereto through the elongate shaft assembly. An anvil lock member isoperably supported by the elongate shaft assembly for movable engagementwith the anvil mounting portion. A surgical staple cartridge isconfigured to be seated within the elongate channel and cooperates withthe anvil mounting portion such that when the surgical staple cartridgehas not been seated within the elongate channel, the anvil lock membercooperates with the anvil mounting portion to retain the anvil in theopen position. In addition, when the surgical staple cartridge is seatedwithin the elongate channel, the staple cartridge moves the anvilmounting portion to a position wherein the anvil may be closed uponapplication of the closure motions thereto.

In accordance with still another general form, there is provided asurgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling instrumentincluding an end effector with an anvil that is supported in an openposition until moved to an actuatable position wherein the anvil ismovable to closed positions in response to a closing motion appliedthereto by a closure system. In at least one form, the surgical staplecartridge comprises a cartridge body that is sized to be removablyseated within a portion of the end effector such that a portion of thecartridge body contacts the anvil to move the anvil from the openposition to the actuatable position when seated within the end effector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of this invention, and the manner ofattaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description ofembodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical stapling instrumentof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of an articulationassembly embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of thehandle;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the handle with a handle case removed;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of an end effector andanvil lock embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a partial exploded perspective view of another end effectorand anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an anvil lock member embodiment of FIG.6A;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an end effector embodiment in anopen position;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the end effector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the end effector depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial bottom perspective view of an anvil embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pivot mount embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the pivot mount embodiment ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of a surgicalstaple cartridge embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the surgical staple cartridgeembodiment depicted in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an end effector embodiment prior to seating astaple cartridge in the elongate channel;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector depicted in FIG.16;

FIG. 18 is a side view of an end effector embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17with the anvil in the open position and wherein a surgical staplecartridge is being inserted into the elongate channel;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the end effector of FIGS. 16-19 with thestaple cartridge embodiment seated within the elongate channel;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 16-22clamping tissue;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 16-23 ina fully clamped position ready to fire;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an exploded assembly view of another surgical staplinginstrument embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another pivot mount embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the pivot mount embodiment ofFIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a partial exploded perspective view of an end effector andanother anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another anvil lock member embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a partial side elevational view of a proximal end portion ofanother surgical staple cartridge embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of the surgicalstaple cartridge embodiment of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a side view of another end effector embodiment prior toseating a staple cartridge in the elongate channel;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector depicted in FIG.33;

FIG. 35 is a side view of an end effector embodiment of FIGS. 33 and 34with the anvil in the open position and wherein a surgical staplecartridge is being inserted into the elongate channel;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the end effector of FIGS. 33-36 with thestaple cartridge embodiment seated within the elongate channel;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 33-38clamping tissue;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the end effector of FIGS. 33-40 ina fully clamped position ready to fire; and

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 41.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thedevices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with thefeatures of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment”, or the like, meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” “in one embodiment”, or “in an embodiment”, or the like,in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics illustrated or described in connection with oneembodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the featuresstructures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments withoutlimitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present invention.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinicianand the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from theclinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience andclarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and“down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However,surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, andthese terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, theperson of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that thevarious methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numeroussurgical procedures and applications including, for example, inconnection with open surgical procedures. As the present DetailedDescription proceeds, those of ordinary skill in the art will furtherappreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be insertedinto a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through anincision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions orend effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into apatient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has aworking channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of asurgical instrument can be advanced.

Turning to the Drawings wherein like numerals denote like componentsthroughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a surgical staplingdevice 10 that is capable of practicing the unique benefits of variousembodiments disclosed herein. An exemplary surgical device that hasfeatures with which embodiments of the present invention may beeffectively employed is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534, entitledARTICULATION ASSEMBLY FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, issued Jun. 6, 1998, theentire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Variousother exemplary surgical stapling device embodiments are described ingreater detail in the following U.S. Patents which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties: U.S. Pat. No.6,964,363, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING ARTICULATIONJOINT SUPPORT PLATES FOR SUPPORTING A FIRING BAR, issued Nov. 15, 2005;U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING MOTIONS, issued Feb. 21, 2006; U.S.Pat. No. 7,044,352, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING ASINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, issued May 16, 2006;U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,769, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING ANARTICULATION MECHANISM HAVING ROTATION ABOUT THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS,issued Sep. 26, 2006; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL,issued Dec. 5, 2006.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the depicted surgical stapling device10 includes a handle 20 that is operably connected to an implementportion 22, the latter further comprising an elongate shaft assembly 30that is operably coupled to an end effector 200. The handle 20 includesa pistol grip 24 toward which a closure trigger 152 is pivotally drawnby the clinician to cause clamping, or closing of an anvil 220 toward anelongate channel 210 of the end effector 200. A firing trigger 102 isfarther outboard of the closure trigger 152 and is pivotally drawn bythe clinician to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue inthe end effector 200.

For example, closure trigger 152 is actuated first. Once the clinicianis satisfied with the positioning of the end effector 200, the clinicianmay draw back the closure trigger 152 to its fully closed, lockedposition proximate to the pistol grip 24. Then, the firing trigger 102is actuated. The firing trigger 102 springedly returns when theclinician removes pressure. A release button 120 when depressed on theproximal end of the handle 20 releases the locked closure trigger 152.

Articulation System

The depicted embodiment include an articulation assembly 62 that isconfigured to facilitate articulation of the end effector 200 about theelongate axis A-A of the device 10. Various embodiments, however, mayalso be effectively employed in connection with non-articulatablesurgical stapling devices. As can be seen in FIG. 2, for example, theelongate shaft assembly 30 includes a proximal closure tube segment 151that is operably supported by a nozzle 60 that is supported on thehandle 20. The handle 20 may be formed from two handle cases 21, 23 thatoperably contain firing and closure systems 100, 150. A proximal endportion 153 of the proximal closure tube segment 151 is rotatablysupported by the handle 20 to facilitate its selective rotation aboutthe elongate axis A-A. See FIG. 1. As can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2,in at least one embodiment, a distal end portion 157 of the proximalclosure tube segment 151 is coupled to a flexible neck assembly 70. Theflexible neck assembly 70 has first and second flexible neck portions,72 and 74, which receive first and second elongate flexible transmissionband assemblies 83, 85. The first and second transmission bandassemblies 83, 85 have exterior reinforcement band portions 86, 87,respectively, extending distally from the structural portions of thebands. Each exterior reinforcement band portion 86, 87 has a pluralityof attachment lugs 88 for securing first and second interiorarticulation bands 89, 90. See FIG. 2. The transmission band assemblies83, 85 may be, for example, composed of a plastic, especially a glassfiber-reinforced amorphous polyamide, sold commercially under the tradename Grivory GV-6H by EMS-American Grilon. In contrast, it may bedesired that the interior articulation bands 89, 90 of the transmissionband assemblies 83, 85 be composed of a metal, advantageously full hard301 stainless steel or its equivalent. The attachment lugs 88 on theexterior reinforcement band portions 86, 87 of the transmission bands83, 85 are received into and secured within a plurality of lug holes 91on the corresponding interior articulation band 89, 90. At the distalend of the first and second interior articulation band assemblies 89, 90there are first and second connectors 92, 93. The articulation assemblyfurther comprises distal articulation bands 96 and 97 that areconfigured to hookingly engage the first and second connectors 92, 93,respectively. The articulation bands 96 and 97 have receptacles 98, 99to couple the bands 96, 97 to the end effector 200 as will be discussedin further detail below.

In at least one form, the flexible neck assembly 70 is preferablycomposed of a rigid thermoplastic polyurethane sold commercially asISOPLAST grade 2510 by the Dow Chemical Company. As can be seen in FIG.3, the flexible neck assembly 70 has first and second flexible neckportions 72, 74. These neck portions 72, 74 are separated by a centrallongitudinal rib 73. See FIG. 6. The neck portions 72, 74 each have aplurality of neck ribs 75 configured essentially as semi-circular disks.The flexible neck portions 72, 74 together generally form a cylindricalconfiguration. A side slot 76 extends through each of the neck ribs 75to provide a passage through the first and second flexible neck portions72, 74 for receiving the interior articulation bands 89, 90 and exteriorreinforcement band portions 86, 87 of the flexible band assemblies 83,85. In a similar fashion, the central longitudinal rib 73 separating thefirst and second flexible neck portions 72, 74 has a centrallongitudinal slot for providing a passage to receive the stapleractuating members. Extending proximally from the first and secondflexible neck portions 72, 74 are first and second support guidesurfaces 77, 78 for supporting the reciprocating movement of theinterior articulation bands 89, 90 and the exterior reinforcementportions 86, 87 of the flexible transmission band assemblies 83, 85.Extending from the distal end of the flexible neck portions 72, 74 is achannel guide 79 for guiding the movement of the stapler actuatingmembers into a staple cartridge 300 of the end effector 200 as will befurther discussed below.

In at least one form, when the first and second transmission bandassemblies 83, 85 are brought into contact with each other duringassembly of the instrument 10, they form an elongate cylinder which hasa longitudinal cavity through it that is concentrically positionedbetween the band assemblies 83, 85 for the passage of a firing rod 110.The proximal ends of the first and second bands have first and secondgear racks 94, 95 which, as will be discussed below, meshingly engage anarticulation assembly 62.

Upon rotation of the articulation assembly 62, one of the first andsecond flexible transmission band assemblies is moved forwardly and theother band assembly is moved rearwardly. In response to thereciprocating movement of the band assemblies 83, 85 within the firstand second flexible neck portions 72, 74 of the flexible neck assembly70, the flexible neck assembly 70 bends to provide articulation. As canbe seen in FIG. 5, an articulation assembly 62 includes an actuator 63,an articulation body 64 and the nozzle 60. Rotational movement of theactuator 63 causes corresponding rotation of the articulation body 64within the nozzle 60. The first and second elongate transmission bandassemblies 83, 85, consequently reciprocate axially in oppositedirections parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the endoscopic shaft30 of the stapling device 10 to cause the remote articulation of the endeffector 200 through the flexible neck assembly 70. The articulationbody 64 further includes a drive gear 65 thereon. As can be seen in FIG.4, the drive gear 65 has a flared opening 66 through it, and a lowerpivot 67. Within the flared opening 66 of the drive gear 65, there is afiring rod orifice 68 for receiving the firing rod 110 enabling thefiring of staples into the clamped tissue in response to pivotalrotation of the firing trigger 102. The drive gear 65 is supported formeshing engagement with the first and second drive racks 94, 95 on theflexible elongate transmission band assemblies 83, 85 to effect thedesired reciprocating movement of the band assemblies 83, 85.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the nozzle 60 of the articulation assembly 62has a nozzle body 61. The nozzle body 61 has an axial bore 69 extendingthrough it for receiving the drive gear 65 of the articulation body 64.The bore 69 provides a continuous opening axially from the frame intothe elongate endoscopic shaft 30 and therefore the firing rod 110 andother operative components of the stapling device 10 can communicatewith the end effector 200. Further details relating to the articulationassembly 62 may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534, which has beenpreviously herein incorporated by reference.

Closure System

As will be discussed in further detail below, the end effector 200comprises an elongate channel 210 that is configured to operably receivea surgical staple cartridge 300. An anvil 220 is movably supportedrelative to the elongate channel 210 and is moved from an open position(FIGS. 16 and 17) to closed positions wherein tissue may be cut andstapled (FIGS. 24 and 25). The movement of the anvil 220 between openand closed positions is at least partially controlled by a closuresystem, generally designated as 150, which, as indicated above, iscontrolled by the closure trigger 152. The closure system 150 includesthe proximal closure tube segment 151 that operably houses thearticulation band assemblies 83, 85 in the manner discussed above andwhich is non-movably coupled to the flexible neck assembly 70.

In various forms, the proximal closure tube segment 151 includes aproximal end portion 153 that axially extends through the bore 69 in thenozzle 60. The proximal closure tube segment 151 has elongate axialslots 155 therethrough to permit the articulation body 64 to extendtherethrough. See FIG. 2. The slots 155 enable the articulation body 64to rotate about articulation axis B-B relative to the proximal closuretube segment 151 while facilitating the axial movement of the proximalclosure tube segment 151 along axis A-A relative to articulation body64. The transmission bands 83, 85 function as a frame upon which theproximal closure tube segment 151 can axially move. The proximal end 153of the proximal closure tube segment 151 is rotatably coupled to aclosure yoke 154 that is supported within the handle 20 forreciprocating motion therein. See FIGS. 4 and 5.

The closure trigger 152 has a handle section 156, a gear segment section158 and an intermediate section 160. See FIG. 5. A bore extends throughthe intermediate section 160. A cylindrical support member 162 extendingfrom the second handle housing 23 passes through the bore for pivotablymounting the closure trigger 152 on the handle portion 20. A proximalend 98 of the closure yoke 154 has a gear rack 164 that is engaged bythe gear segment section 158 of the closure trigger 152. When theclosure trigger 152 is moved toward the pistol grip 24 of the handleportion 20, the closure yoke 154 and, hence, the proximal closure tubesegment 151 move distally, compressing a spring 166 that biases theclosure yoke 152 proximally.

In at least one form, the closure system 150 further includes a distalclosure tube segment 170 that is non-movably coupled to the channelguide portion 79 of the flex neck assembly 70 by attachment tabs 72, 74.See FIGS. 9 and 10. The distal closure tube segment 170 has an opening176 therein that is adapted to interface with an upstanding tab 224formed on the anvil 220 as will be discussed in further detail below.Thus, axial movement of the proximal closure tube segment 151 results inaxial movement of the flex neck assembly 70, as well as the distalclosure tube segment 170. For example, distal movement of the proximalclosure tube segment 151 effects pivotal translation movement of theanvil 220 distally and toward the elongate channel 210 of the endeffector 200 and proximal movement effects opening of the anvil 220 aswill be discussed in further detail below.

Firing System

In at least one form, the surgical instrument 10 further includes afiring system, generally designated as 100, for applying firing motionsto the firing rod 110 in response to actuation of the firing trigger102. In at least one form, the firing system 100 further includes adrive member 104 that has first and second gear racks 105, 106 thereon.A first notch 109 is provided on the drive member 105 intermediate thefirst and second gear racks 105, 106. During return movement of thefiring trigger 102, a tooth 112 on the firing trigger 102 engages withthe first notch 109 for returning the drive member 104 to its initialposition after staple firing. A second notch 114 is located at aproximal end of the firing rod 110 for locking the firing rod 110 to anupper latch arm 122 of the release button 120 in its unfired position.The firing system 150 further includes first and second integral piniongears 111, 113. The first integral pinion gear 111 is engaged with adrive rack 115 provided on the firing rod 110. The second integralpinion gear 113 is engaged with the first gear rack 105 on the drivemember 104. The first integral pinion gear 111 has a first diameter andthe second integral pinion gear 113 has a second diameter which issmaller than the first diameter.

In various embodiments, the firing trigger 102 is provided with a gearsegment section 103. The gear segment section 103 engages the secondgear rack 106 on the drive member 104 such that motion of the firingtrigger 102 causes the drive member 104 to move back and forth betweenfirst and second drive positions. In order to prevent staple firingbefore tissue clamping has occurred, the upper latch arm 122 on therelease button 120 is engaged with the second notch 114 on the driverack 115 such that the firing rod 110 is locked in its proximal-mostposition. When the upper latch arm 122 falls into a recess in theclosure yoke, the upper latch arm 122 disengages with the second notch114 to permit distal movement of the firing rod 110. Because the firstgear rack 105 on the drive member 104 and the drive rack 115 on thefiring rod 110 are engaged, movement of the firing trigger 102 causesthe firing rod 110 to reciprocate between a first reciprocating positionand a second reciprocating position. Further details concerning variousaspects of the firing system 150 may be gleaned from reference to U.S.Pat. No. 7,000,818 which has been herein incorporated by reference inits entirety.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, various embodiments, the distal end 117 of thefiring rod 110 is rotatably received within a firing bar mounting yoke118. The firing bar mounting yoke 118 has a slot 119 for hookinglyreceiving a hook 132 formed on a proximal end of a knife bar 130. Inaddition, as shown in FIG. 3, a support bar 140 is supported for axialmovement between the first and second support guide surfaces 77, 78 ofthe flex neck assembly 70. The support bar 140 has a slot 142 that isconfigured to permit the knife bar 130 to slidably pass therethrough.The metal knife bar 130 has a tissue cutting edge 134 formed on itsdistal end and is configured to operably interface with a wedge sledoperably supported within a surgical staple cartridge 300.

End Effector

As discussed above, in at least one form, an end effector 200 includesan elongate channel 210 that is configured to operably support asurgical staple cartridge 300 therein. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, theelongate channel 210 has a proximal end portion that includes two spacedmounting tabs 212 that are configured to be engaged by the hooks 998, 99on the distal ends of the articulation bands 96, 97. Thus, thereciprocating motions of the articulation bands 96, 97 cause theelongate channel 210 to articulate relative to the flex neck assembly70. As further indicated above, the end effector 200 also includes ananvil 220. In at least one form, the anvil 220 is fabricated from, forexample, 416 Stainless Steel Hardened and Tempered RC35 Min (or similarmaterial) and has a staple-forming undersurface 222 thereon that isconfigured for confronting engagement with the staple cartridge 300 whenmounted in the elongate channel 210. The anvil 220 is formed with aproximally extending mounting portion 223 that includes two trunnionwalls 226, 228 that each has a trunnion 30 protruding therefrom. SeeFIG. 11. In addition, formed on the underside 232 of the mountingportion 223 is a downwardly protruding pivot tab 234 that has a slot 236extending therethrough that is configured to receive and support theknife bar 130 as it is axially advanced through the end effector 200during cutting and stapling. In addition, the anvil opening tab 224 isformed on the mounting portion 223 such that it can operably interfacewith the opening 176 in the distal closure tube segment 170 as will befurther discussed below. As can be seen in FIGS. 16-25, the anviltrunnions 230 are configured to be movably received in correspondingtrunnion slots 214 formed in the proximal end of the elongate channel210. Each trunnion slot 214 has an arcuate segment 216 that communicateswith a locking notch 218.

To facilitate pivotal travel of the anvil mounting portion 223 relativeto the elongate channel 210, various embodiments include a pivot mount240. As can be in FIGS. 12 and 13, one form of a pivot mount 240 has abody portion 242 that is configured to be attached to the elongatechannel 210. For example, the body portion 242 may be formed with twoopposed attachment tabs 243 that are configured to retainingly engagetab openings 211 (FIG. 6) formed in the elongate channel 210. Inaddition, the pivot mount 240 has a proximally extending foot portion244 that has a retainer lug 245 protruding therefrom that is configuredto be received in a corresponding opening 211 in the elongate channel210. See FIG. 17. The pivot mount 240 may be fabricated from, forexample, Vectra A435 Liquid Crystal Polymer—natural or similarmaterials. As can be further seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the body portion242 has an upstanding central portion 246 that has a slot 247 extendingtherethrough for axially receiving the knife bar 130. The centralportion 246 provides lateral support to the knife bar 130 as it isdriven through tissue clamped within the end effector 200. Variousembodiments of the pivot mount 240 further include rocker surfaces 248formed on each side of the central portion 246 for pivotally receivingthe trunnion walls 226, 228 of the anvil 220 thereon.

Anvil Lockout System

Various embodiments include a unique and novel anvil lockout system 250that prevents closure of the anvil 220 when a staple cartridge 300 hasnot been properly installed in the elongate channel 210. Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, for example, an embodiment of an anvil lockout system 250includes a movable anvil lock member 260 that is movable in response tocontact by a portion or portions of a staple cartridge 300 as will bediscussed in further detail below. In at least one form, the anvil lockmember 260 comprises a body portion 262 that has a distally protrudingcentral support tab 264 formed thereon. A slot 266 extends through bodyportion 262 and the central support tab 264 to enable the knife bar 130to pass therethrough. The body portion 262 further includes proximallyextending mounting bar 268 that is configured to be slidably receivedwithin a corresponding mounting opening 270 in the channel guide 79 ofthe flex neck assembly 70. In addition, a biasing member in the form of,for example, a coil spring 269 is supported within the opening 270 tobias the anvil lock member 260 in the distal direction “DD”. See FIG.16. When the anvil 220 is mounted to the elongate channel 210, thetrunnions 230 are received within their corresponding trunnion slots 214in the elongate channel 210, the central support tab 264 of the anvillock member 260 is received between the trunnion walls 226, 228 tofurther provide support to the anvil 220. The body portion 262 of theanvil lock member 260 is further formed with two cam surfaces 263configured to engage the proximal end surfaces 227, 229 of the trunnionwalls 226, 228. See FIGS. 6 and 7. Various embodiments of the anvil lockmember may be fabricated from, for example, Vectra A435 Liquid CrystalPolymer—natural or similar materials.

FIGS. 6A and 7A illustrate an alternative anvil lock member 260′ that ismovable in response to contact by a portion or portions of a staplecartridge 300. In at least one form, the anvil lock member 260′comprises a body portion 262 that has a distally protruding centralsupport tab 264 formed thereon. A slot 266 extends through body portion262 and the central support tab 264 to enable the knife bar 130 to passtherethrough. The body portion 262 further includes proximally extendingmounting bar 268′ that is configured to be slidably and retainablyreceived within a corresponding mounting opening 270′ in the channelguide 79′ of the flex neck assembly 70′. In addition, a biasing memberin the form of, for example, a coil spring 269 is supported within theopening 270′ to bias the anvil lock member 260′ in the distal direction“DD”. The anvil lock member 260′ otherwise operates in the same manneras anvil lock member 260. When the anvil 220 is mounted to the elongatechannel 210, the trunnions 230 are received within their correspondingtrunnion slots 214 in the elongate channel 210, the central support tab264 of the anvil lock member 260′ is received between the trunnion walls226, 228 to further provide support to the anvil 220. The body portion262 of the anvil lock member 260 is further formed with two cam surfaces263 configured to engage the proximal end surfaces 227, 229 of thetrunnion walls 226, 228. The distal closure tube segment 170′ operatesin the same manner as the distal closure tube segment 170 describedabove.

Surgical Staple Cartridge

Various embodiments include a unique and novel surgical staple cartridge300 that is configured to interact with the anvil lockout system 250when installed in the elongate channel 210. As can be seen in FIGS. 14and 15, in at least one form, the surgical staple cartridge 300 includesa cartridge body 302 that may be fabricated from, for example, VectraA435, 20% PTFE/15% GF—natural. The cartridge body 302 is sized andshaped to be received within the elongate channel 210. In at least oneform, the cartridge body 302 is configured to be seated in the elongatechannel 210 such that is removably retained therein. The cartridge body302 may be formed with a centrally disposed slot 304 therein forreceiving the knife bar 130. On each side of the slot 304, there isprovided rows 306, 308, 310 of staple openings 312 that are configuredto support a surgical staple therein. In the depicted embodiment, threerows 306, 308, 310 are provided on each side of the slot 304. Thesurgical staples may be supported on staple drivers that are movablysupported within the staple openings 312. Also supported within thestaple cartridge body 302 is a wedge sled that is configured for axialmovement through the cartridge body 302 when contacted by the cuttingbar. The wedge sled is configured with wedge-shaped driving members thatcontact the staple drivers and drive the drivers and their correspondingstaples toward the closed anvil as the wedge sled is driven distallythrough the cartridge body 302. Examples of staple driver arrangementsand wedge sled arrangements that may be employed are described infurther detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,746, the entire disclosure whichis herein incorporated by reference. In various embodiments, tofacilitate installation of the wedge sled and drivers in the cartridgebody 302, metal cartridge pans 314, 316 may be attached to the cartridgebody 302 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The cartridge pans 314 and 316serve to retain the wedge sled and drivers within the cartridge body302.

In various embodiments, the cartridge body 302 additionally has at leastone release member formed thereon that protrudes in the proximaldirection. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, two release members320 are formed on the proximal end 319 of the cartridge 300. The releasemembers 320 each have a wedge shape that defines a sloped pivot surface321 that are configured to pivotally support a portion of the anvilmounting portion 223 thereon.

Installation of a Staple Cartridge

An understanding of the operation of a anvil lockout system may begleaned from reference to FIGS. 16-25. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate theposition of the anvil 220 relative to the elongate channel 210 prior toinstalling a staple cartridge 300. When in that “unloaded” and openposition, the anvil lock member 260 is biased in the distal direction byspring 269 such that the cam surfaces 263 on the anvil lock member 260are in contact with the end surfaces 227, 229 of the trunnion walls 226,228. The anvil lock member 260 pushes the anvil mounting portion 223 inthe distal direction “DD” such that the trunnions 230 are seated intheir respective locking notch 218. The cam surfaces 263 on the anvillock member 260, in cooperation with the end wall surfaces 227, 229,also serve to pivot and retain the anvil in the open position as shownin FIGS. 16 and 17. As can be seen in FIG. 16, when in that position,the trunnion walls 226, 228 are supported on the rocker surfaces 248 onthe pivot mount 240. When in that position, the surgeon cannot close theanvil 220 by actuating the closure trigger 152 to advance the distalclosure tube 170. Because the closure tube segments cannot be advanceddistally to close the anvil 220, the closure trigger 152 cannot beactuated to its fully closed position whereby the firing trigger 102 maybe actuated. Thus, when no cartridge 300 is present, the end effector200 may not be actuated.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the initial insertion of the staple cartridge300 into the elongate channel 210. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the endeffector 200 after the staple cartridge 300 has been fully seated in theelongate channel 210. As can be seen in FIG. 20 for example, when thecartridge 300 has been fully seated, the release members 320 on thecartridge 300 engage the trunnion walls 226, 228 and serve to move theanvil mounting portion 223 in a proximal direction “PD” such that thetrunnion walls 226, 228 now pivotally rest on the release members 320.As can be seen in FIG. 21, when in that position, the anvil mountingportion 223 has moved proximally such that the trunnions 230 are movedout of their respective locking notches 218 and into the bottom of thearcuate slot segment 216 into an “actuatable” position whereby the anvil220 may be pivoted closed by actuating the closure trigger 152.

When the device 10 is in the starting position and the staple cartridge300 has been loaded into the elongate channel as described above, bothof the triggers 152, 102 are forward and the anvil 220 has been moved tothe actuatable position, such as would be typical after inserting theloaded end effector 200 through a trocar or other opening into a bodycavity. The instrument 10 is then manipulated by the clinician such thattissue “T” to be stapled and severed is positioned between the staplecartridge 300 and the anvil 200, as depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23. Asdiscussed above, movement of the closure trigger 152 toward the pistolgrip 24 causes the proximal closure tube segment 151, the flex neckassembly 70 and the distal closure tube segment 170 to move distally. Asthe distal closure tube segment 170 moves distally, it contacts aclosure ledge 221 on the anvil 220. Pressure from the tissue capturedbetween the anvil 220 and the staple cartridge 300 serves to move theanvil 220 such that the trunnions 230 are positioned to move within thearcuate trunnion slot segments 216. The surgeon may pivot the anvil 220relative to the staple cartridge 300 to manipulate and capture thedesired tissue “T” in the end effector 200. As the distal closure tubesegment 170 contacts the closure ledge 221, the anvil 220 is pivotedtowards a clamped position. The retracted knife bar 130 does not impedethe selective opening and closing of the anvil 220.

Once the desired tissue “T” has been positioned between the anvil 220and the cartridge 300, the clinician moves the closure trigger 152proximally until positioned directly adjacent to the pistol grip 24,locking the handle 20 into the closed and clamped position. As can beseen in FIG. 25, when in the fully clamped position, the anvil trunnions230 are located in the upper end of the arcuate slot portion 216 and theanvil tab 224 is received within the opening 176 in the distal closuretube segment 170. After tissue clamping has occurred, the clinicianmoves the firing trigger 102 proximally causing the knife bar 130 tomove distally into the end effector 200. In particular, the knife bar130 moves through the slot 236 in the pivot tab portion 234 of the anvil220 and into the slot 304 in the cartridge body 302 to contact the wedgesled operably positioned within the staple cartridge 300. As the knifebar 130 is driven distally, it cuts the tissue T and drives the wedgesled distally which causes the staples to be sequentially fired intoforming contact with the staple-forming undersurface 222 of the anvil220. The clinician continues moving the firing trigger 102 until broughtproximal to the closure trigger 152 and pistol grip 24. Thereby, all ofthe ends of the staples are bent over as a result of their engagementwith the anvil 220. The cutting edge 132 has traversed completelythrough the tissue T. The process is complete by releasing the firingtrigger 102 and by then depressing the release button 120 whilesimultaneously squeezing the closure trigger 152. Such action results inthe movement of the distal closure tube segment 170 in the proximaldirection “D”. As the anvil tab 224 is engaged by the opening 176 in thedistal closure tube segment 170 it causes the anvil to pivot open. Theend surfaces 227, 229 again contact the pusher surfaces 263 on the anvillock member 260 to pivot the anvil to the open position shown in FIGS.20 and 21 to enable the spent cartridge 300 to be removed from theelongate channel 210.

FIGS. 26-42 illustrate an alternative surgical stapling instrument 10′that is similar in construction and operation to surgical staplinginstrument 10 except for the differences discussed below. Thisembodiment, for example, employs the pivot mount 240′ illustrated inFIGS. 29 and 30. As can be seen in FIGS. 27 and 28 one form of a pivotmount 240′ has a body portion 242′ that is configured to be attached tothe elongate channel 210. For example, the body portion 242′ may beformed with two opposed attachment tabs 243′ that are configured toretainingly engage tab openings 211 (FIG. 26) formed in the elongatechannel 210. In addition, the pivot mount 240′ has a proximallyextending foot portion 244′ that has a slot 247′ extending therethroughfor axially receiving the knife bar 130. Various embodiments of thepivot mount 240′ further include rocker surfaces 248′ formed on the bodyportion 242′ for pivotally receiving the trunnion walls 226, 228 of theanvil 220 thereon.

This embodiment also includes an anvil lockout system 250′ that preventsclosure of the anvil 220 when a staple cartridge 300′ has not beenproperly installed in the elongate channel 210. Referring to FIGS. 29and 30, for example, an embodiment of an anvil lockout system 250′includes an anvil lock member 400 that is configured to contact theanvil mounting portion 223 as will be discussed in further detail below.In at least one form, the anvil lock member 400 comprises a leaf spring402 that has a slot 404 therein for accommodating the knife bar 130. Theleaf spring 402 is configured for attachment to the channel guide 79″ ofthe flex neck assembly 70″.

As can be seen in FIGS. 31 and 32, in at least one form, the surgicalstaple cartridge 300′ includes a cartridge body 302′ that is similar tothe surgical staple cartridge 300 described above, except for thedifferences discussed below. FIG. 29 depicts a wedge sled 360 that issupported within the cartridge body 302′ in the manner described above.In this embodiment, the proximal end portion 303 of the cartridge body302′ is configured to contact a portion of the anvil mounting portion223 and urge the anvil 220 proximally when the cartridge body 302′ isseated within the elongate channel 210.

An understanding of the operation of a anvil lockout system 250′ may begleaned from reference to FIGS. 33-43. FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate theposition of the anvil 220 relative to the elongate channel 210 prior toinstalling a staple cartridge 300′. When in that “unloaded” position,the anvil lock member 400 has engaged the upper surface of the anvilsupport portion 223 such that the anvil 220 is pivoted to the openposition on the rocker surfaces 248′ on the pivot mount 140′. When inthat position, the trunnions 230 are seated in their respective lockingnotch 218. When in that position, the surgeon cannot close the anvil 220by actuating the closure trigger 152 to advance the distal closure tube170′. Because the closure tube segments cannot be advanced distally toclose the anvil 220, the closure trigger 152 cannot be actuated to itsfully closed position whereby the firing trigger 102 may be actuated.Thus, when no cartridge 300′ is present, the end effector 200 may not beactuated.

FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate the initial insertion of the staple cartridge300′ into the elongate channel 210. FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the endeffector 200 after the staple cartridge 300′ has been fully seated inthe elongate channel 210. As can be seen in FIG. 37 for example, whenthe cartridge 300′ has been fully seated, the proximal end portion 303on the cartridge 300′ engages the trunnion walls 226, 228 and serves tomove the anvil mounting portion 223 in a proximal direction “PD” suchthat the trunnions are moved out of their respective locking notch 218and into an actuatable position the bottom of the arcuate slot segment216. The anvil 220 is now in position to be pivoted closed by actuatingthe closure trigger 152.

When the device 10′ is in the starting position and the staple cartridge300′ has been loaded into the elongate channel 210 as described above,both of the triggers 152, 102 are forward and the anvil 220 is open andin the actuatable position, such as would be typical after inserting theloaded end effector 200 through a trocar or other opening into a bodycavity. The instrument 10′ is then manipulated by the clinician suchthat tissue “T” to be stapled and severed is positioned between thestaple cartridge 300′ and the anvil 220, as depicted in FIGS. 39 and 40.As discussed above, movement of the closure trigger 152 toward thepistol grip 24 causes the proximal closure tube segment 151, the flexneck assembly 70″ and the distal closure tube segment 170″ to movedistally. As the distal closure tube segment 170′ moves distally, itcontacts a closure ledge 221 on the anvil 220. Pressure from the tissuecaptured between the anvil 220 and the staple cartridge 300′ serves tomove the anvil 220 such that the trunnions 230 are positioned to movewithin the arcuate trunnion slot segments 216. The surgeon may pivot theanvil 220 relative to the staple cartridge to manipulate and capture thedesired tissue “T” in the end effector 200. As the distal closure tubesegment 170″ contacts the closure ledge 221, the anvil 220 is pivotedtowards a clamped position. The retracted knife bar 130 does not impedethe selective opening and closing of the anvil 220.

Once the desired tissue “T” has been positioned between the anvil 220and the cartridge 300′, the clinician moves the closure trigger 152proximally until positioned directly adjacent to the pistol grip 24,locking the handle 20 into the closed and clamped position. As can beseen in FIG. 42, when in the fully clamped position, the anvil trunnions230 are located in the upper end of the arcuate slot portion 216 and theanvil tab 224 is received within the opening 176 in the distal closuretube segment 170″. After tissue clamping has occurred, the clinicianmoves the firing trigger 102 proximally causing the knife bar 130 tomove distally into the end effector 200. In particular, the knife bar130 moves through the slot 236 in the pivot tab portion 234 of the anvil220 and into the slot 304 in the cartridge body 302′ to contact thewedge sled 360 operably positioned in therein. As the knife bar 130 isdriven distally, it cuts the tissue T and drives the wedge sled 360distally which causes the staples to be sequentially fired into formingcontact with the staple-forming undersurface 222 of the anvil 220. Theclinician continues moving the firing trigger 102 until brought proximalto the closure trigger 152 and pistol grip 24. Thereby, all of the endsof the staples are bent over as a result of their engagement with theanvil 220. The cutting edge 132 has traversed completely through thetissue T. The process is complete by releasing the firing trigger 102and by then depressing the release button 120 while simultaneouslysqueezing the closure trigger 152. Such action results in the movementof the distal closure tube segment 170″ in the proximal direction “D”.As the anvil tab 224 is engaged by the opening 176 in the distal closuretube segment 170″, it causes the anvil 220 to pivot open. The anvil lockmember 400 applies a biasing force to the upper surface of the trunnionwalls of the anvil mounting portion 223 and serves to pivot the anvil tothe open position shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 to enable the spent cartridge300′ to be removed from the elongate channel 210.

The various unique and novel features of the above-described embodimentsserve to prevent the end effector from being closed when a surgicalstaple cartridge is not present or has not been properly seated withinthe elongate channel. When the anvil is in the locked position whereinthe anvil trunnions are retained in their respective locking notches,the anvil is retained in the open position. When in the open position,the end effector cannot be inadvertently inserted through a trocar.Because a full closure stroke is prevented, the firing system cannot beactuated. Thus, even if the clinician attempts to actuate the firingtrigger, the device will not fire. Various embodiments also provide theclinician with feedback indicating that a cartridge is either notpresent or has not been properly installed in the elongate channel.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps ofdisassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement ofparticular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the devicecan be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts ofthe device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination.Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device canutilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement,and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioneddevice, are all within the scope of the present application.

Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed beforesurgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessarycleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilizationtechnique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container,such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are thenplaced in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such asgamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation killsbacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilizedinstrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealedcontainer keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medicalfacility.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapling instrument comprising: an endeffector comprising: an elongate channel configured to operably supporta surgical staple cartridge therein; and an anvil movably supported onthe elongate channel between an open position and closed positions inresponse to an application of opening and closing motions appliedthereto; and an anvil lock member cooperating with the anvil to retainthe anvil in an open position when a staple cartridge has not beeninstalled in the elongate channel and prevent the anvil from moving to aclosed position until the staple cartridge has been seated within theelongate channel.
 2. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 1,wherein the anvil comprises an anvil mounting portion pivotallysupported on the elongate channel and wherein the anvil lock member isbiased into contact with the anvil mounting portion.
 3. The surgicalstapling instrument of claim 2, wherein the anvil mounting portionfurther comprises a pair of opposed anvil trunnions movably received incorresponding trunnion slots in the elongate channel.
 4. The surgicalstapling instrument of claim 3, wherein each anvil trunnion slotcomprises: a locking notch for receiving the corresponding anviltrunnion therein when the surgical staple cartridge has not been seatedwithin the elongate channel; and an arcuate slot segment for receivingthe corresponding anvil trunnion therein when the cartridge has beenseated within the elongate channel such that the corresponding anviltrunnion may movably traverse within the arcuate slot segment uponapplication of a closing motion to the anvil.
 5. The surgical staplinginstrument of claim 4, wherein the anvil lock member biases the anvilmounting member to seat and retain the anvil trunnions in thecorresponding locking notch when the surgical staple cartridge has notbeen seated within the elongate channel.
 6. The surgical staplinginstrument of claim 5, wherein the anvil mounting portion is configuredto pivot upon a portion of the elongate channel.
 7. The surgicalstapling instrument of claim 6, wherein the anvil mounting portioncomprises a pivot tab configured to pivot upon a pivot mount supportedwithin the elongate channel.
 8. The surgical stapling instrument ofclaim 2, wherein the anvil lock member comprises: a body portionconfigured for contact with the anvil mounting portion; and a biasingmember cooperating with the body portion to bias the body portion intocontact with the anvil mounting portion.
 9. The surgical staplinginstrument of claim 8, wherein the body portion includes at least onecam surface thereon for contact with the anvil mounting portion to camthe anvil into the open position when the surgical staple cartridge hasnot been seated into the elongate channel.
 10. The surgical staplinginstrument of claim 2, wherein the anvil lock member comprises a leafspring configured for biasing contact with the anvil mounting portion.11. A surgical stapling instrument comprising: a handle; an elongateshaft assembly operably coupled to the handle; a closure system operablysupported by the handle for generating closing and opening motions inresponse to actuation of a closure trigger operably supported by thehandle; an elongate channel coupled to the elongate shaft assembly; ananvil including an anvil mounting portion movably supported on theelongate channel between an open position and closed positions inresponse to applications of opening and closing motions transmittedthereto through the elongate shaft assembly; an anvil lock memberoperably supported by the elongate shaft assembly for movable engagementwith the anvil mounting portion; and a surgical staple cartridgeconfigured to be seated within the elongate channel and cooperating withthe anvil mounting portion such that: when the surgical staple cartridgehas not been seated within the elongate channel, the anvil lock membercooperates with the anvil mounting portion to retain the anvil in theopen position; and when the surgical staple cartridge is seated withinthe elongate channel, the staple cartridge moves the anvil mountingportion to a position wherein the anvil may be closed upon applicationof the closure motions thereto.
 12. The surgical stapling instrument ofclaim 11, wherein the anvil mounting portion further comprises a pair ofopposed anvil trunnions movably received in corresponding trunnion slotsin the elongate channel.
 13. The surgical stapling instrument of claim12, wherein each trunnion slot comprises: a locking notch for receivingthe corresponding anvil trunnion therein when the surgical staplecartridge has not been seated within the elongate channel; and anarcuate slot segment for receiving the corresponding anvil trunniontherein when the surgical staple cartridge has been seated within theelongate channel such that the corresponding anvil trunnion may movablytraverse therein upon application of a closing motion to the anvil. 14.The surgical stapling instrument of claim 13, wherein the surgicalstaple cartridge is configured to contact the anvil mounting portionwhen the surgical staple cartridge has been seated in the elongatechannel to move the anvil mounting portion such that the anvil trunnionsare moved from the corresponding locking notch to the correspondingarcuate slot segment.
 15. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 14,wherein the surgical staple cartridge comprises: a cartridge bodyconfigured to be seated within the elongate channel; and at least onepivot portion configured for pivoting contact with the anvil mountingportion when the surgical staple cartridge has been seated within theelongate channel.
 16. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 15,wherein the at least one pivot portion comprises a pair of wedge-shapedpivot members formed on a proximal end of the cartridge body whereineach of the pivot members define a sloped pivot surface for contact witha corresponding portion of the anvil mounting portion.
 17. The surgicalstapling instrument of claim 11, wherein the anvil lock membercomprises: a body portion configured for contact with the anvil mountingportion; and a biasing member cooperating with the body portion to biasthe body portion into contact with the anvil mounting portion.
 18. Thesurgical stapling instrument of claim 11, wherein the anvil lock membercomprises a leaf spring configured for biasing contact with the anvilmounting portion.
 19. A surgical staple cartridge for use with asurgical stapling instrument including an end effector with an anvilthat is supported in an open position until moved to an actuatableposition wherein the anvil is movable to closed positions in response toa closing motion applied thereto by a closure system, the surgicalstaple cartridge comprising a cartridge body sized to be removablyseated within a portion of the end effector such that a portion of thecartridge body contacts the anvil and moves the anvil from the openposition to the actuatable position when seated within the end effector.20. The surgical staple cartridge of claim 19, wherein the cartridgebody further comprises a pair of wedge-shaped pivot members formed on aproximal end of the cartridge body wherein each of the pivot membersdefine a sloped pivot surface for contact with a corresponding portionof the anvil.